UAE President Sheikh Mohamed has launched an initiative to empower the next generation of leaders to help others around the world.
The Zayed Education Foundation will help the nation to provide a platform for young talent to collaborate through education and research, said Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday evening.
It takes its name and inspiration from UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“Inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, who believed in uniting humanity through service to others, the launch of the Zayed Education Foundation will empower young leaders to seek collective solutions to challenges affecting millions around the world,” said Sheikh Mohamed in a post on X.
“Extending from its long-standing determination to build a more prosperous future for all, the UAE is committed to providing a global platform for talented individuals to collaborate through education, research and innovation for the betterment of humanity.”
One of the key goals of the programme is to support 100,000 promising young talents, equipping them to drive economic, social and environmental progress around the world, state news agency Wam reported.
The foundation will also build “a worldwide network of young leaders, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable development regionally and globally”, stated Wam.
Another facet of the scheme is the Zayed Scholars, which will offer “merit-based university scholarships and immersive leadership training”. This is designed to nurture both academic excellence and practical leadership skills, which Wam stated was in order to prepare young leaders to drive transformative impact in their communities and beyond.
In addition to the scholarships, the foundation will offer grants and funding in the UAE, ensuring “that talented individuals can access resources to develop tangible solutions to global challenges”. This will be expanded to other Arab nations and “partner countries in the Global South” through partnerships with educational institutions, governments and communities.
“The UAE has always been a place where ambitious individuals come to shape their futures,” said Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed, Deputy Chairwoman of the Presidential Court for National Projects.
“Through the Zayed Education Foundation, we are extending this spirit of opportunity to young leaders worldwide, inviting them to contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.”
Sheikh Mohamed received teachers, administrators and outstanding pupils from various schools this month, in celebration of Ramadan. During this meeting, he emphasised the UAE’s commitment to using technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence, to boost the education sector.
While embracing technology was crucial, Sheikh Mohamed added that talented people remain the driving force behind the education system and play a fundamental role in its objectives being achieved.
He also encouraged teachers, administrators and pupils to “continue their hard work and perseverance in pursuit of their aspirations and in service to their communities”.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
India cancels school-leaving examinations
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Dubai World Cup Carnival card
6.30pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
8.15pm: Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
8.50pm: Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
9.25pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections
6.30pm: Final Song
7.05pm: Pocket Dynamo
7.40pm: Dubai Icon
8.15pm: Dubai Legacy
8.50pm: Drafted
9.25pm: Lucius Tiberius
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The biog
Fast facts on Neil Armstrong’s personal life:
- Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio
- He earned his private pilot’s license when he was 16 – he could fly before he could drive
- There was tragedy in his married life: Neil and Janet Armstrong’s daughter Karen died at the age of two in 1962 after suffering a brain tumour. She was the couple’s only daughter. Their two sons, Rick and Mark, consulted on the film
- After Armstrong departed Nasa, he bought a farm in the town of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1971 – its airstrip allowed him to tap back into his love of flying
- In 1994, Janet divorced Neil after 38 years of marriage. Two years earlier, Neil met Carol Knight, who became his second wife in 1994
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
